Blue Light Treatment For Precancerous

During the treatment we apply a topical photosensitizing drug to the skin.

Blue light treatment for precancerous.

Photodynamic therapy or pdt is sometimes referred to as blue light therapy and is fda cleared for the treatment of actinic keratoses ak. The initial approval was specifically for the treatment of actinic keratosis of the face and scalp with application of the photosensitizer followed by a timed exposure to a special blue light source. Blue light therapy also called blue light treatment or blue light photodynamic therapy is a treatment performed by dermatologists to combat pre cancerous lesions like actinic keratosis. Light therapy for precancerous skin lesions.

Blue light therapy is an fda approved in office treatment for actinic keratoses precancerous lesions. What is blue light therapy how does it work. Insurances typically cover the full cost of the treatment but this varies by insurance. If left untreated an estimated 10 percent of these precancerous lesions may eventually evolve into a type of skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma.

But it s more painful time consuming than common treatment dermatologist notes. Aks are precancerous skin lesions a small proportion of which may develop into squamous cell carcinoma scc the second most common form of skin cancer. Levulan known scientifically as aminolevulinic acid hcl can help treat common skin problems such as actinic keratoses precancerous lesions and early stage carcinomas. Photodynamic therapy pdt is especially effective as a one and done treatment to destroy lesions without harming healthy tissue.

These lesions are typically found in areas of the body that are frequently exposed to the sun including the face head and arms. Blue light therapy on its own without the photosensitivity drugs added is safe and has very few risks. The biggest risk is for a potential skin infection if any post treatment blisters occur and. Blue light therapy for actinic keratosis can help treat and reduce the number of precancers potentially reducing the number of full fledged skin cancers and helping in photo rejuvenation.

When combined with light therapy levulan is highly successful in treating the cancerous and precancerous growths. Aks are a marker of cumulative sun damage. The treatment might be a good alternative for people who have 20.